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A lot can happen in just a few years, especially after a big change of rules. The 2022 decision to open up the Ontario market to legally registered online gambling providers has triggered a range of consequences that are still unfolding. In one of the richest and most technologically developed provinces of Canada, a liberal model that welcomes private investment has created a very dynamic environment and helped to solve some long-standing issues.

In a nutshell, here is what’s going on in Ontario’s gaming industry lately and what we can expect from it in the near future.

How Ontario iGaming Market Works within Canada

Each Canadian province has the freedom to set and enforce its own gambling laws. When it comes to online play, some provinces opted for a centralized model with the government acting as the sole provider of gambling services while others allowed the entry of commercial operators. Ontario chose the second option and handpicked a group of companies that have the exclusive right to serve local citizens within the scope of the law. These companies must obtain a license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, after which they enter into an agreement with iGaming Ontario, thus being subject to oversight from two different government agencies with jurisdiction within the provincial borders.

Complete Triumph for Legal Operators

Before Ontario decided to allow access to legally registered gambling sites, the market was dominated by offshore brands that ignored the standing ban. That changed rapidly after legalization, as the vast majority of players prefer the safety of a regulated system. Less than five years after the legislative change, a staggering 91% of gambling activity in the province is directed through legal channels. There are currently 49 different operators holding valid licenses in Ontario, and they are running a total of 84 websites. This list includes some well-known international brands, as well as a handful of homegrown iGaming companies and it goes to prove that quality is more important to players than sheer quantity.

Competition between Vendors Ultimately Benefits Players

With every new Ontario online casino brandthat gains a license to operate in the province, the competition becomes even more intense. After all, the number of potential players is finite and most of them tend to use only a couple of gaming websites. To attract the best customers, providers are offering generous welcome bonuses and other perks designed to get the player to sign up and try the website. For the same reason, the number of games available from a single account is skyrocketing so players can switch to new titles without leaving the site. Factors like website usability and graphic interface quality also play a role, as operators are looking to deliver end-to-end service that lets the user enjoy every moment and not sweat the technicalities.

Clear Focus on Player Safety

There is an added benefit of playing in a highly regulated market. Ontario players are protected from many of the worst dangers associated with online play. Instances of fraud are extremely rare since licensed providers are not interested in fleecing their customers and then losing them. They also care about the players’ wellbeing and mental health, and run self-exclusion schemes and other programs aimed at preventing compulsive gambling. Thanks to the newly launched BetGuard platform, it’s possible to block all casino sites centrally, making it easier for people with a gambling addiction to pause their activities. Overall, iGaming players in Ontario feel secure and trust the platforms where they play, which is a big part of the explanation for the sustained growth of this sector.